A neglected tragedy that demands urgent action

The ongoing crisis in Manipur, which erupted on May 3, 2023, has morphed into one of India’s most pressing humanitarian and governance challenges. The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands, and caused widespread destruction across the state. In the aftermath of this violence, experts, politicians, and civil society groups have pointed to the underlying causes: disputes over land, drugs, poppy cultivation, political representation, and ethnic identity, all of which were ignited by a court ruling to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. This move was met with violent opposition from the Kuki tribes, escalating into the full-scale conflict that has yet to abate.
The roots of the crisis are well known, but what is deeply concerning is the inadequate response from both the central and state governments. Despite the widespread recognition of the causes of the violence, both the BJP-led central government and the Manipur state government have failed to take decisive action to restore peace. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central leaders have largely remained silent on the issue, offering no substantial solutions or a coherent strategy to address the conflict. Even within the corridors of Parliament, where the crisis should be a focal point for national attention, there has been no urgent call for action or dialogue.
The lack of response is particularly troubling given the scale of the violence and the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. With reports of atrocities committed by both sides, including attacks on civilians, women, and children, the government’s inaction is a damning indictment of its failure to protect the lives of its citizens. Worse still, political figures, including Manipur’s Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, have made inflammatory statements that have only worsened tensions, yet the government has failed to hold them accountable. The BJP’s reluctance to take responsibility for these comments has further fueled the fire, deepening mistrust between the warring communities. Inaction on this front is not merely a sign of neglect; it is also a deliberate strategy of political expediency. The BJP appears more focused on preserving its political alliances in the Northeast than on addressing the crisis in Manipur, with no clear political will to bridge the divide between the Meitei and Kuki groups.
The state government’s response has also been lackluster. While the imposition of curfews and attempts to restore law and order have been implemented, these measures have done little to address the root causes of the violence. They have merely served as short-term solutions to a much deeper issue that requires a long-term political and social resolution. Both the state and central governments must engage in meaningful dialogue with both communities, listening to their grievances and working towards an equitable solution that addresses issues of land, political representation, and social identity. Without such dialogue, the violence will only continue, as both sides continue to view the conflict through the lens of ethnic and political survival.
The international community, alongside many experts, has raised serious concerns about the failure of India’s defense and security apparatus to restore peace in the region. Despite a large defense budget, the Indian military has struggled to contain the violence, which has raised doubts about the efficacy of the state’s security and intelligence mechanisms. This failure is compounded by the lack of transparency and accountability in the central government’s handling of the crisis. The silence from the central leadership, coupled with the ongoing political maneuvering at the state level, has exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread frustration and growing disillusionment among the people of Manipur.
The people of Manipur are suffering, and their voices are growing louder. The time for half-hearted measures and political posturing is over. The government must act now to halt the bloodshed and work towards a permanent solution. It is not enough to merely condemn the violence or provide temporary relief. A long-term, sustainable peace process must be initiated, with the involvement of all stakeholders—government, political leaders, civil society, and both warring communities. The government must also demonstrate accountability by addressing the actions of those within its ranks who have exacerbated the conflict through inflammatory rhetoric and failure to act decisively.
The situation in Manipur is dire, and unless immediate steps are taken, the crisis is unlikely to end anytime soon. The central and state governments must set aside political considerations and prioritize the safety and well-being of the people. The collapse of Manipur’s integrity is a real threat if this crisis remains unresolved. The clock is ticking, and the time for action is now. Manipur’s future depends on it.